1. This trap almost maimed me
And the sparrow almost pecked me

2. I buried it with dirt afraid
It might frighten and repel

3. Seeing the dirt it saw a body
Slanted yet paid it no attention

4. Until when overlooking satisfied
And seeing the grain appear

5. It scolded itself, preventing
I did not fear it would deter

6. So it thought a little, thus
The Merciful will not kill a thinker

7. It debated "no" and "yes" for a while
Then the army of "yes" retreated

8. So it drew its cheeks to chirping
That when called upon it twittered

9. Nothing worried me but its persistence
Safe, I had not betrayed it